This photograph shows a 21-week-old unborn fetus reaching out towards the surgeon during an in-the-womb surgery.

The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. The operation should have been performed while the baby is still in the womb.

During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. The uterus is then restored back inside.

As the surgeon completed the surgery, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed, hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger, as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.